Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of unpoisoned fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 8, 2001
Date of Patent:
October 21, 2003
Assignee:
IRM, LLC
Inventors:
Robert Charles Downs, Scott Allan Lesley, James Kevin Mainquist, Daniel T. McMullan, Andrew J. Meyer, Marc Nasoff